UK Tour & Album Release Date Announced!

James will be touring the UK in May & June, and has announced the release date for his new album 'Tiger On The Bridge'

James recorded his latest album ‘Tiger On The Bridge’ in front of an audience of fans at RAK Studios in London, there was even a successful marriage proposal during the recording which James orchestrated on behalf of the groom-to-be. The album will be released on Friday 31st May

 

James said; ‘I’ve been lucky enough to have had some amazing moments creating music over the years that I’m immensely proud of. But there was something particularly special about this experience. Writing these songs has helped me through a turbulent time in my life & recording it in front of the fans & people I work with who’ve been so supportive over the years felt like the perfect way to do it’

Pre order 'Tiger On The Bridge' CD and Vinyl from  https://www.musicglue.com/jameswalsh/shop 

James will be taking 'Tiger On The Bridge' on tour this May & June across the UK

Tickets are on sale on Friday 15th March at 9.30am from www.jameswalshmusic.com

New solo album!

I’m pleased to announce that I’ve teamed up with PledgeMusic once again to bring you my second solo album!

I’m really excited about this particular album as I will be recording it LIVE and in one sitting and you can be a part of it!

You can get involved in a variety of different ways. From pre-ordering the album, joining me for a karaoke night or getting a collection of one-of-a-kind photos that I have taken! There will also be some exclusive updates and videos just for Pledgers to enjoy.

Get Involved Here

With this new album you will also be able to join me in the studio and be a part of the full LIVE recording experience for “Tiger On The Bridge”! This was a really important concept for me as throughout my career I have had so many experiences writing and recording albums in a conventional way. It is for this reason that I decided to involve you guys and do things a little differently this time.

Some of my favourite albums by Van Morrison & Bob Dylan were made in a more spontaneous way which has inspired me to record my album like this.

Thank you so much for your support!

James x

Independent Venue Week

James Walsh is set to play two intimate shows as part of Independent Venue Week in 2018.
Independent Venue Week is a 7 day celebration of small music venues around the UK and a nod to the people that own, run and work in them, week in, week out.
These venues give artists their first experience of playing live in front of an audience and for fans, somewhere to get up close to artists that one day, may well be playing stadiums and festival main stages.
Supported using public funding by Arts Council England, Independent Venue Week brings together these venues along with breaking and established artists, promoters, labels, media, bloggers and tastemakers to create a nationwide series of gigs at the end of January.
James Walsh is set to play two shows in support of these incredible venues.
Monday 29th January - The Half Moon, Putney (London)
Friday 2nd February - The Brook, Southampton

Starsailor 'All This Life'

Starsailor release Digital Deluxe edition of All This Life

Following the release of Starsailor's All This Life back in September, Starsailor announced the release of the digital deluxe edition of their latest album All This Life, which is now available to download/stream and includes acoustic versions of 4 songs from the album.

All This Life is Starsailor's fifth studio album, which is their first since 2009 and their highest chart placing for 12 years. The album has been greeted with rave reviews and is their fifth consecutive Top 30 studio album and sees the band re-energised and on outstanding form.

“Winning fusion of powerpop, electronics and blue-eyed soul.” – Mojo

“…guitar, keyboard and vocal elements perfectly blended into the type of arena sound formula that works for Coldplay and U2.” – Louder Than War

The band have also released a video for the live acoustic version of the ‘Listen To Your Heart’, which is taken from the new album and filmed in an intimate session during the recording process.

U.S. Tour Blog

Hi Everyone!  I am writing to you as we pass through Oregon after an eventful few days in California on the road with Embrace. The original plan was to stop in Portland for a day off but our bus ran into problems so we had to wait for a mechanic all night in San Francisco.

It's great fun being on the road but its not always 'plain sailing' Boom Boom!(pun intended). I'll never forget the site of a slightly inebriated Stel shining his phone under the bus to help Kurt the driver identify the problem his white shirt ending up covered in oil!

We've had a great time with Embrace from the word go and it was good to get to know them on the night we arrived at the little known dive bar 'Kitts' in Huntington Beach. After a night of fun and relaxation it was off on the road on our lovely tour bus. Tour buses in the US are in the main a class above the ones at home. The lounge opens out when we are stopped and all the bunks have cable tv in them! Theres also the added bonus of our entertaining driver Kurt. Barry has been chatting to him up the front on the long drives so I think he's Kurt's favourite now.

The first show was at House Of Blues Anaheim which is situated in Disneyland. Getting into Disneyland is the same as getting into a new country as we all had to queue up and show the border patrol our passports! Thankfully the show went smoothly which was good as we had Yahoo streaming it live across the world.(hope you enjoyed watching).

We were parked up beside the Sheraton hotel so we spent a few hours by the pool before travelling onto LA for the show at The Roxy a legendary rock venue on Sunset Strip. It was a frustrating show for Stel as he battled problems with his bass but ultimately we got through it and the LA crowd was great. We stuck around to watch Embrace who impressed, pulling out the crowd pleasers (Come Back To What You Know, All You Good Good People) & some tracks from their brilliant new album (Richard McNamara's emotive vocals on 'Refugees' a particular highlight).

Danny was a bundle of energy getting the crowd going at the intimate Roxy as if we were in an arena. It was great to catch up with some old friends at the Rainbow next door after the show. There was no sign of Lemmy but we did spot Ron Jeremy (I think Ben saw him in some films when he was a teenager I wonder if they won any oscars?) It was great to see James Dale from Goldheart Assembly and Romeo from The Magic Numbers again.

No time to stop in LA so it was back on the fun bus to San Francisco. Its been ten years since we last played Slims and we're really impressed that some fans came back for more all these years later! We are so grateful to our long term fans and it seemed from the mix of ages that our music has been passed onto younger siblings and children of fans too. Both bands agreed San Francisco was the best show of the tour as the crowd were really up for it. Which brings you right up to date. Hopefully next time we catch up I'll have some Canadian tales to tell you.

2015 so far...

Its been far too long since I wrote anything for the website so here I am & theres been plenty going on in 2015 to tell you about.

I am writing from my dressing room at Ipswich Regent Theatre where we are near the halfway point of the Mike & The Mechanics UK Tour. The shows so far have been great. It's been good to tick off such stunning venues as Sheffield City Hall & Gateshead Sage Theatre from the list of places I've played. The connection with Mike And The Mechanics started when Harry Rutherford agreed to produce my album & we subsequently roped in his talented father Mike to play some guitar. Needless to say when the opportunity arose to support them around the UK it was an easy decision! Much of the Mike & The Mechanics audience haven't heard of myself or Starsailor so its been great to showcase the songs from 'Turning Point' to a whole new audience. Because the venues are seated and the audience a bit older I am usually playing to an almost full and captive audience which is good. I am most excited to return to The Royal Albert Hall where I played only last year with Starsailor. To play such a legendary venue twice in such a short space of time is a great honour.

Another recent highlight was playing the Hard Rock/Peroni village after the Wales v Italy 6 nations game in Rome. I'm more of a football man usually but it was impossible not to get caught up in the excitement of that thrilling final day where England, Wales and Ireland had everything to play for. There was a good mix of Italians and Welsh people in the crowd who were all on great form and it made for a very enjoyable show.

A few weeks ago up in Manchester I once again donned my judges hat to choose the winner of the Hard Rock Rising competition(Manchester heat). I have done it before down in London so it was good to see that the North West is still producing great music too. All the bands on the night were excellent but House Of Thieves(@HOTbandofficial) from Derby were worthy winners in the end.

Next up for me is the inaugural Isle Of Wight Dragon Boat Race in aid of WellChild which should be a fun day out for a great cause. Finally. Things have been busy in Starsailor world too(Zermatt Unplugged was amazing) so I promise to write something soon to go on the Starsailor website.

See You Soon - James W

James Walsh to Headline the Big One 5

Wigan Warriors are delighted to confirm that Chorley-born musician and Starsailor frontman James Walsh will Headline pre-match entertainment at the Big One 5.

Walsh shot to fame in the early 2000’s when Starsailor’s debut album ‘Love is Here’ went platinum selling over 500,000 copies in the UK.

The band went on to create a further three albums and Walsh has been working on a solo career since 2009 releasing his latest album, ‘Turning Point’ earlier this year. The group recently reformed and played at the Isle of Wight festival and will support Manchester band James on their UK tour in November.

Walsh, who was at college in Wigan when Starsailor formed said: “It’s very exciting to be heading back to Wigan to play in front of what will be a huge crowd at the Big One.

“I have a lot of great memories about my time in Wigan. It’s a great place and one that will always be close to my heart. I’ve also heard a lot of great things about this game and I’m looking forward to capping off a spectacular entertainment line up before the Warriors and Rhinos go to battle.

“I’ve seen that Wigan have been going well this year and Leeds are right up there too so I think it will make for a great game as well as a great night.”

James Walsh’s performance is supported by The Whisky Sessions, a presenting partner of the Big One 5. The Whisky Sessions is a new two day music and whisky festival taking place in November at Manchester's Victoria Warehouse, featuring acts I Am Kloot, Gomez, Turin Brakes and many more. More information on an exclusive Whisky Sessions post match event for the Big One 5 will be unveiled next week.

Simon Collinson, Marketing Director at Wigan Warriors added: “To have someone of James’ stature perform live at the DW ahead of the Big One will only serve to help make this event bigger than ever before.

“Alongside James, we have Carolynne Poole, the New York Brass Band and the Joining Jack Legends game plus lots of other stuff going on. I think it’s possibly the best night of entertainment we’ve ever put on at the DW Stadium and I’m sure we will see some fireworks on the pitch too!”

James completes the amazing line up of entertainment on the night whilst the Joining Jack Legends are set to announce more massive names to their already blockbuster squad over the next week.

The Big One 5 has already posted record early pre-sales and tickets remain on sale from the DW Stadium ticket office, the ticket hotline 0871 6633 552 and online at wiganwarriors.com

Isle Of Wight Festival - Back with Starsailor

Hi Folks, - Hope your all having a great Summer. We've been blessed with some sunshine for a change here in the UK not least for the Isle Of Wight Festival weekend that took place recently. It's always a special festival for me and this year took on special meaning as it was the first major gig with Starsailor for many years.

  It was great to be back playing with the boys. The break has done us all good. Its good to have new experiences outside the band & come back with a new perspective and appreciation of what we have. I'm so glad so many of you turned out to see us on the main stage. If anything the crowd and the atmosphere felt even better than the last time we played together at the festival.
 
 Having Mark Collins alongside us on lead guitar was a welcome addition too.  Friday was all about Starsailor but I enjoyed playing solo across the weekend too.

There was an amazing  crowd at the Whiskey Sessions who weren't distracted by the red arrows flying above. I'm really proud of my solo album 'Turning Point' & it was cool to see people singing some of the words back during the set. A visit to the Isle of Wight Festival wouldn't be complete without a trip to Tim Peaks for a coffee and a couple of songs.

Tim Burgess's cafe is a fairly new addition to the festival circuit but is fast becoming a mainstay. My highlight of the festival was definitely Travis. The closed the big top in spectacular fashion with everyone jumping up and down to 'Why Does It Always Rain On Me?'. Outside of the main stages The Carnabys were the buzz band of the weekend.

They've come a long way since they won the Hard Rock Battle Of The Bands & I hope they do well. So I'm off for a family holiday before it all kicks off again with some big solo performances and festivals with Starsailor throughout July/August. See you on the road!

James W  x

P.S If you enjoyed the Isle of Wight and fancy reliving it you can come and see many of the acts who graced the festival this year(including me!) at Koko in aid of Variety UK on 1st Sept. http://bit.ly/1lamfdy

Update from Nottingham

Hi Folks, - I am writing to you whilst stood in my little dressing room at the legendary Bodega in Nottingham(formerly the heavenly social) that has played host to a number of artists who've gone onto great things including arctic monkeys,the strokes,the white stripes and a band called Starsailor(nope me neither :-)).

It's great to be back here after all these years a little older and not much wiser. The tour so far has been fantastic. Hare and Hounds in Birmingham a great venue to kick off with. Nice intimate room above a friendly little pub. Next up was another famous venue King Tuts in Glasgow. I had plenty of my family & extended family down for this one so there was a few drinks back at the citizen m Glasgow afterwards!

The response to the new album 'Turning Point' has been great & I'm glad so many people are picking it up at the gigs too. Reassures me that the songs are coming across well live. Whilst I was in Glasgow I paid a visit to Billy Sloan to record a session for his how on Clyde 1. Will keep you posted about when it goes out.

He's always been a big supporter of my music and even hosted a concert I did in Aberfeldy many moons ago. It was good to catch up. Then it was a short hop over to Leeds to play The Brudenell. A cool little venue run by the tireless Nathan who makes sure there always a welcoming atmosphere in the place.

I have been trying to get back here after an enjoyable night with Ian Broudie a few years ago so it was good to finally make it. After Leeds I went over to Liverpool to record a session for Dave Monks show on Radio Merseyside. I've always go to well with Dave(despite him being a blue!) and he's a great supporter of Liverpool and northwest music.

Listen out for that one soon. The following day it was onwards to manchester. During soundcheck I welcomed some pledgers into the venue and they got a mini personal concert before I came down for a chat and some pictures. It was great to meet some of the people who've helped get the album made.

The gig at the deaf institute in Manchester was as rowdy and brilliant as I expected thanks to a fantastic northern crowd. Unusually for Manchester there was no boozing afterwards so I was able to jump on the train and head to nottingham for a session with imagesound.

A brilliant website who have hosted sessions with Mark Morriss and Jack Savoretti in recent times and always make sure the videos are well shot in good locations. And so here I am looking forward to another great show in Nottingham!

See You Soon!

James W

Paris > Stockholm > Copenhagen > Luxembourg

Hi All, - Well that was fun! Just arrived home this weekend after a fantastic few  weeks out in the road with One Republic. It was great to play the beautiful Trianon in Paris for three consecutive nights and explore the sites and sounds of Monmartre where I was staying.

It's been great playing these modern arenas but playing a venue steeped in history in front of a passionate French crowd was one of the highlights of the tour for me. Then it was onwards to Stockholm. This was a memorable experience too for many reasons. Firstly I was staying on a boat!(the malardrottningen floating hotel) once owned  by American heiress Barbara Hutton.

 
We welcomed new father One Republics Eddie Fisher back to the tour and sampled the Stockholm night life starting off at Benny Andersson from Abba's Hotel Rival. Gig day in Stockholm was a two gig day. Starting off with a showcase for Live Nation in their offices. 'Industry' events aren't always the best but this one was really enjoyable and the invited guests were really responsive.

The gig that night at Arenan was great too. Sweden has produced so much amazing music over the years and I'm sure this beautiful city has inspired much if it. Next up was another Scandinavian show and onwards to Copenhagen. Hidden behind a Radisson Hotel is the historic Falconer Theater that has played host to all the greats from Van Morrison to Neil Young.

 
I sound like a broken record but this was a great venue and crowd too. I've really appreciated the nice messages from One Republic fans on twitter and it was no exception after this show as kind words came in from the amazing Danish fans. Then it was a short plane journey to Luxembourg for the final show of the tour.

The day of the show was an early start with interviews and songs scheduled at RTL Luxembourg and a quick trip to Saarbrucken to play for SR3. It was such a great audience in Luxembourg. It's location meant there were plenty of people who travelled from all over  to come so it seemed a fittingly European end to the tour.

I'd like to say thank you very much to One Republic and their crew for looking after me so well during the tour. Now I'm looking forward to starting my own tour & releasing 'Turning Point' with some fantastic memories to look back on.

 See You Soon!

 James W

Duet with Carice Van Houten

As those of you listening to 3fm on Tuesday morning will know I recently recorded a duet with the amazing Carice Van Houten. If you want to grab a copy it will be available on the CD edition of 'Turning Point' and exclusively available to download on itunes in the Netherlands.

Update from Paris

Hi Folks - Just checked into my hotel in Paris for a day off before the One Republic tour continues at La Trianon tomorrow night. It's been an amazing experience so far. One of the highlights has been playing 'Good Souls' with One Republic. I arrived at the venue in Bern Switzerland to hear them rehearsing the song unexpectedly and we have been playing it at all the subsequent shows. I'm really chuffed that they like the song and it's an honour to play it with them every night.

Another highlight that really seemed to take hold in Germany has been the sing alongs to 'That Man' from 'Turning Point'.

There's a whoah... refrain that keeps recurring in the song and the crowd picked up on it eally quickly. It was great to spend a few days in the beautiful city of Cologne and sample a famous beer hall(I went to Hausbraerei Paffgen and can highly recommend it. Just don't ask for a choice. It's the pilsner they brew or nothing. Thankfully it tastes good!) Of course the cathedral is the centre point of the city and is certainly worth a visit. I didn't brave the steps up to the tower though. Probably not a good idea after a few pilsners anyway!

After a few great shows all over Germany it was onwards to Amsterdam.  I've visited the city numerous times before but it never loses its charm.  It was great to play Heineken Music Hall a large modern hall across from the Amsterdam Arena. I've always loved playing the Paradiso in Amsterdam but it was nice to experience a different place. I think it was my favourite One Republic show too.

The sound was great for such a big room and all the band were on amazing form. Having seen their set a few times now 'Can't Stop' and 'Preacher' are highlights for me.

Before I travelled onto Brussels I called into 3fm in Hilversum for a session with Giel for his breakfast show. I was well looked after at the station and theres been some great feedback from the session so it was well worth the 5.45am wake up.Thanks for having me 3fm!

Unfortunately stomach flu hit the one republic touring party so there was no gig in Brussels but thankfully those affected are (touch wood) on the road to recovery so I'm looking forward to the show tomorrow in Paris.

Will be back soon with further tales...

Thanks

James W

A small tour detour

So yesterday I boarded a morning flight from Munich taking a small detour from my adventures on the road with One Republic. The reason for this flying visit home to the UK was the pledge music 'Turning Point' gig at The Hospital Club Covent Garden. I must admit I was a mix of nerves and excitement at the prospect of playing some of the tunes from the new album for the very first time.
Thanks for the fantastic reception from the pledgers who certainly put my nerves at ease. It was great to meet you all and get your feedback on which songs you liked. It was nice to spend time with family,friends and lots of great people who have been working hard on the album release too. I'd have loved to have stayed all night but with another 6am wake up I had to head back a little early. So here I am in Berlin ready to return to the One Republic tour but with fond memories of a special night in London!

See You Soon

James W

The journey continues!

Hi Folks, - So the last time I wrote I was in Linz Austria getting ready for the show. The show later that night was great and One Republic were on superb form too. I enjoyed a few glasses of wine with the tour catering staff but couldn't over do it as I had a train to Prague to catch the following day.

I've been to Prague once before and remember it being a beautiful city. On this occasion my friend Chris from back home was passing through on his travels so I met up with him to have a few drinks on the day off. As we are both big Beatles fans the first port of call had to be Lennon's Bar! It's a small pub/restaurant and the staff were very friendly.

It's located near 'John Lennon Wall' which started off as purely a tribute to John but has since been taken over by other forms of Graffiti. There's still a few John Lennon faces knocking about though and the name remains. After a hearty Czech meal we headed to the highly recommended 'Hemmingways' cocktail bar.

 A great little place,like a discreet little speakeasy. They will only let enough people in as they have chairs which means it retains a more relaxed vibe than some of the more packed places around the city. Our 'Old Fashions' were served in a bottle contained within a hollowed out book which was a nice touch!

As we seemed to be following the path of famed hell raisers it seemed apt that we should finish the night in Bukowskis a little walk from Hemmingways. The gig in Prague was brilliant. I decided to break out my cover of 'Hit Me Baby One More Time' for this one and it went down a storm! Next morning,sent postcards to my kids and headed off to Slovakia.

For me this was the best show of the tour so far. The crowds have been fantastic everywhere but I felt particularly good about my own performance. As I was in Slovakia I had to give a shout out to the great Martin Skertl too! I'm now sat in Vienna station a little way through my epic journey from Bratislava to Bern. Looking forward to coming back to Switzerland a place I have fond memories playing as a solo artist and with Starsailor.

Thanks

James W

P.S I'm excited that 'Turning Point' is now available to pre-order on itunes. I've had some great feedback just for the itunes preview so I can't wait for you to hear the full tracks!

https://itunes.apple.com/album/turning-point/id821017103

Tour update

Hi Folks - So a little while ago I received an exciting email asking if I'd be interested in supporting One Republic on their European tour. The opportunity to see Europe in the company of one of my favourite bands? 

I didn't have to think long about the decision! I've crossed paths with them and their crew on a few occasions over the years so it was a chance to catch up with old friends too. After a picturesque train journey from Vienna (through snow capped mountains and quaint little villages)and an

early night I woke up in Graz ready for the first gig.

The venue was right across the road from my hotel which meant there was no stress finding the place so I got off to a smooth start.

My set went really well. It was quite a young audience overall as I looked out across the crowd so it was nice to introduce them to my music both Starsailor and Solo. 

I decided to stay and watch a bit of One Republic safe in the knowledge that I would have many more opportunities to see the whole set and with half a mind on my 7.30am train to Linz! I don't want to give too much away in case anyone is coming to the gigs. 

 

Needless to say the staging is incredible,Ryan is in fine voice and the band are full of energy.

As I write this I am in Linz, Austria ready for the next show.Should be a good one! Finally thanks for the great response to 'We Could Try' and 'Better Part Of Me'. 

A number of people have messaged me upon hearing the tracks on the radio and I really appreciate the support and feedback.  

Can't wait for you to hear the rest of 'Turning Point' now!

Thanks

James W

New tour dates

Hi Everyone - I have some amazing news! I have been kindly asked to support the incredible One Republic throughout Europe  starting this week in Austria.

I've been a long time fan of the band and shared a stage with them at the Zermatt Unplugged Festival after show back in 2011. They are a great live band and I can't wait to hit the road with them! (Check www.onerepublic.com for dates.)

Keep an eye on @jamesstarsailor for stage times if you already have tickets and want to make sure you are early enough to catch my set.

February

   Thu   13    Austria    Graz    Stadhalle
    Fri    14    Austria    Linz    Tipps Arena
                  
    Sun    16    Czech Rep.    Prague    Incheba Arena
    Mon   17    Slovakia    Bratislava    Incheba Expo Arena
                  
    Wed   19    Switzerland    Bern    Festhalle
    Thu    20    Germany    Frankfurt    Jahrunderthalle
                  
    Sat    22    Germany    Cologne    Palladium
    Sun   23    Germany    Cologne    Palladium
                  
    Tue    25    Germany    Stuttgart    Porsche Arena
    Wed   26    Germany    Munich    Zenith
                  
    Fri    28    Germany    Berlin    Columbiahalle   

March

   Sat    1    Germany    Hamburg    Sportshalle
                  
   Mon   3   Holland    Amsterdam    Heineken Music Hall
   Tue    4    Belgium    Brussels    Ancienne Belgique
                  
   Thu   6   France    Paris    Trianon
   Fri     7   France    Paris    Trianon
   Sat    8    France    Paris    Trianon
                  
                  
   Tue    11    Sweden       Stockholm    Arenan
   Wed   12    Denmark    Copenhagen    Falconer
                  
   Fri    14    Luxembourg    Lux City    Rockhal

I have some exciting news to tell you all..

In April I am taking 'Turning Point' on the road around the UK and can't wait to get back out there and play you all my new stuff that I have been working on. The Album release date has now been moved back to 7th April but guys don't worry it is all for a good cause! I have some special guests up my sleeve and I want to make sure everything is perfect for you all.

Tickets are now on sale for my April tour, details below:

6th April- Hare & Hounds, Birmingham
7th April- King Tuts, Glasgow
8th April- Brudenell Social Club, Leeds
10th April- Deaf Institute, Manchester
11th April- Bodega, Nottingham
13th April- Thekla, Bristol
15th April- Bush Hall, London
16th April- Wedgewood Rooms, Portsmouth

Thanks again for all your support, 2014 is going to be a great year and I can't wait to share Turning Point with you all.

To pre-order Turning Point you can pledge on PledgeMusic
www.pledgemusic.com/jameswalsh

New album - get involved!

We are excited to announce that James Walsh is going to record his debut Solo Album & you can be part of it with PledgeMusic!

To get involved click below and find out all about the campaign!
http://www.pledgemusic.com/jameswalsh

I've been busy...

Check out some of the latest covers I have done over on my PledgeMusic Page
http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/jameswalsh

I have posted photos on my Facebook page when some fans came to the recording studio to spend the day with me through PledgeMusic. It was a great day and they even got to play a special part on the album!
www.facebook.com/jameswalshmusic